U.S. State Department Asks Russia to Release Vice News Reporter

The U.S. State Department has asked Russia to release Vice News reporter Simon Ostrovsky, who’s being held captive by pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine.

“We call on Russia to use its influence with these groups to secure the immediate and safe release of all hostages in eastern Ukraine,” State Dept. spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday.

Ostrovsky, along with five other journalists, were detained this week. The other five have have been released, leaving Simon as the only journalist being kept. He’s been reporting on the Ukrainian crisis for VICE since early March.

VICE News has also issued a statement: “VICE News is aware of the situation and is in contact with the US State Department and other appropriate government authorities to secure the safety and security of our friend and colleague, Simon Ostrovsky.”

MSNBC’s Chris Hayes covered Ostrovsky’s captivity on last night’s “All In.” “We’ve been relying on his reporting,” Hayes said about Ostrovsky’s reporting for the show.